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The Debug feature provides various functions that can be helpful when troubleshooting the ladder logic in your unit.

Tip: The Data Window provides an easy tool that can be used to debug your project. In addition, the Data Window can also be used to download preset values to the PLC for testing.

A debugger allows users to slow down the execution of a ladder logic sequence to a human time scale so that they can see what the unit is doing one ladder instruction at a time. This is the best way to understand what the unit is doing while it is occurring. The Debugger allows the user to set breakpoints to halt execution at a particular point in the logic and then step through, one instruction at a time, watching the data fields update at each and every step.

To use the Debug options, you must be online. Up to eight breakpoints can be set to pause logic operation at different points. The watch window can be used to monitor tags while debugging, and variable can be added or removed during runtime.

Supported debugging commands:

  • Set Breakpoint ‐ set a breakpoint where you would like the logic to pause
  • Go to Breakpoint ‐ execute logic up to the next set breakpoint
  • Remove Breakpoint ‐ remove a breakpoint that is no longer needed
  • Single Step ‐ execute ladder logic one instruction at a time
  • Single Scan ‐ forces the ladder logic to perform a single scan, then stops at the current active step instruction
  • Show/Hide Watch Window ‐ displays the watch window. Similar to the Data Monitor Window, the watch window is only available in Debug mode and is used to watch specified address tags

Object Properties control an object’s appearance and function. The programmer can configure these properties using the Property Grid which displays the properties of the currently selected object. Most of the objects placed onto a screen share common properties such as color, border, label, line color, font, language, text, feedback, style, and overall properties.

There are many options for displaying and writing to 16/32-bit registers. Register-based objects display the value in an internal or PLC register and allow the operator to write new values. Register-based objects can also display predefined messages or images depending upon the ‘state’ or range of values in the register.

Screens and tags are not useful in and of themselves. Tags contain data that represent machine operation, but without a means of interacting with this data there is no way for an operator to understand or control what the machine is doing. A programmer can place objects on the screen, exposing program data to the operator, and fulfilling the Human Machine Interface function of the unit.

The Import Text Objects and Export Text Objects features allow you to export a listing of all objects that can display Multilingual (Windows fonts) text. This is particularly handy when using the Multiple Language feature. Instead of entering each language object-by-object in MAPware-7000, you can export to a CSV (comma-separated value) file, and then edit the file using another application such as Microsoft Excel.

For more information about this feature, refer to the MAPware-7000 Programming Manual.

The multi-Language feature enables the programmer to configure the project for use in many countries around the world that may use a different language. You can configure each object or text box with multiple labels, each designed for a unique language. During operation of the unit, display a screen that allows the operator to select which language he/she prefers to use. Once selected, all the objects and text boxes immediately depict the appropriate label.

  • Configure projects in up to nine different languages
  • Assign various languages to text using a Language Tag to display the correct language
  • For international markets, create one project that can display text in different languages with the simple press of a button

Using this window Find/Replace operation can be done for selected operand address or operand name for instructions within selected logic block. Click on one of the search instructions: Find in logic blocks, Find Operand, or Find Instruction.

A graphical window design pane provides ease of design with window tabs, drag-and-drop and snap-to-grid functionality. Design your windows exactly as they will look on your project display.

Explore our MAPware Tutorials with easy to follow instructions, sample projects, and videos.